Animating device

ABSTRACT

An animating device for imparting movement to parts of a doll, puppet, human or animal figure or an animated figure forming portion of a sign or display, or any other object wherein certain motion is desired. The invention contemplates the employment of one or more solenoids that are energized by a source of power such as by dry batteries which can be concealed within the body of the figure, or by other electrical means. The parts to be animated, such as the eyes, ears, lips etc. are carried by pivotal or other movably mounted pull rods such rods having integral or attached parts which constitute armatures or cores of the solenoid or solenoids so that when the solenoids are energized the parts will be moved in one direction. Retractive means, such as balance weights are provided to move the parts in a direction opposite to that in which they were moved by the energization of the solenoid or solenoids.

United States. Patent 1 Camerino [451 Sept. 17, 1974 ANIMATING DEVICE [75] Inventor: Ernest Camerino, Ft. Lauderdale,

Fla.

22 Filed: Apr. 10, 1973 211 Appl. No.: 349,828

[52] U.S. C1 40/106.32, 46/135 R. 46/235, 46/245 [51] Int. Cl. G091 19/08 [56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,920,027 7/1933 Wilhelm 40/106.32 X

2,250,916 7/1941 Magruder 40/l06.32 X 2,273,836 2/1942 Dale 40/106.32 X 2,706,364 4/1955 Yakooleff 46/168 X 3,570,178 3/1971 Green 46/243 S FOREIGN PATENTS OR APPLICATIONS 995,974 6/1965 Great Britain 46/243 5 Primary ExaminerWm. 1'1. Grieb Assistant ExaminerVance Y. Hum Attorney, Agent, or Firm-Erwin A. Yaeger 5 7 ABSTRACT An animating device for imparting movement to parts of a doll, puppet, human or animal figure or an animated figure forming portion of a sign or display, or any other object wherein certain motion is desired. The invention contemplates the employment of one or more solenoids that are energized by a source of power such as by dry batteries which can be concealed within the body of the figure, or by other electrical means. The parts to be animated, such as the eyes, ears, lips etc. are carried by pivotal or other movably mounted pull rods such rods having integral or attached parts which constitute armatures or cores of the solenoid or solenoids so that when the solenoids are energized the parts will be moved in one direction. Retractive means, such as balance weights are provided to move the parts in a direction opposite to that in which they were moved by the energization of the solenoid or solenoids.

6 Claims, 6 Drawing Figures PATENIEDSEP 1 11914 3.835.561

SHEET 1 OF 2 ANIMATING DEVICE The invention relates to animating means for parts of toys, signs, figures or any display object in which animation is desired to provide lifelike movement or to attract attention when used for advertising or for other purposes.

It is an object of the invention to provide a device of this character in which animation can be provided to eyes, lips, ears, eyebrows or other parts of an object or figure by a simple means and if desired by the use of batteries or other power source. It is an object of the invention to provide means by which a number of the elements to be animated can be simultaneously or separately animated by simple pushbutton or other operation. It is another object of the invention to provide in an animating means the securement of animation by the combined efforts of a solenoid and one or more balancing weights.

It is another object of the invention to provide an animating device of the character described which can be caused to operate by being electronically coupled to a microphone, tape recorder, record player or similar device, whereby action of the lips, eyes, ears or other facial parts can be secured and an effective and lifelike result obtained.

In the accompanying drawings, wherein illustrative embodiments of the invention are disclosed,

FIG. 1 is a vertical sectional view of a construction made in accordance with the invention;

FIG. 2 shows a simplified construction adapted for the animation of a single element;

FIG. 3 shows a construction somewhat similar to that of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 shows an arrangement adapted for the horizontal disposition of its parts;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an arrangement for the animation of a plurality of parts, such as eyes, ears and lip, and

FIG. 6 shows a simple arrangement for the animation of a lip or other single element.

Referring to the drawings, and more particularly to FIG. 1 thereof, there is shown therein at l and 2 elements to be animated. Such elements may, for example, be shaped or embellished to form replicas of the lips of a human being or animal. The lip 1 is carried at the end of a rod 3 that is pivoted at 4 between the arms 20 of a U-shaped bracket or frame 21. The bracket may be provided with apertured lugs 65 (FIG. 5) for the mounting of the unit or for its securement to a suitable surface or other part.

Projecting from the rod 3 is an upward extension constituting a pull-rod 5 having at its lower end an angularly bent portion 6 that constitutes a core or armature for an electromagnet or solenoid 7 that is mounted on and insulated from the base portion of the bracket 21. Similarly, the lip replica 2 is attached to the end of a rod 8 that has a downward extension or pull-rod formed at its lower end with an angularly bent part 9 constituting an armature or core for the solenoid 7. The rod 8 and its extension 10 are pivoted at 11 between the arms of the bracket 21.

From the above, it will be apparent that when the solenoid 7 is energized, the parts 5 and 10 will have their end portions drawn into the solenoid and due to the connections between these parts 5 and 10, the lip replicas l and 2 will be caused to move apart or become separated. The rod 3 may be provided with a pin 12 located in a channel 13 carried by the rod 8 so that when the part 10 is moved, it will swing the pin 12. Said pin 12 can be attached to a rod 14a that can be coupled to a means for moving the eyes or other parts of the represented figure.

The power source for the solenoid 7 can be any suitable means for providing the required current and such means may consist of one or more dry batteries 14. In the line 15 between the batteries and the solenoid is a switch 16, preferably of the push-button type which can be continuously or intermittently pressed to secure the desired movements of the lips I and 2.

It will be understood that the mechanism just described, and with the exception of the lips I and 2 which will be exposed, can be completely housed within and concealed by a housing or body of the object to which the parts to be animated form a part. The parts can all be mounted on and carried by the bracket 21 so that the device as a unit, is easily handled and placed in a required mounting position.

When the solenoid is de-energized by the cessation of current to it by the opening of the switch 14, the lips I and 2 will be moved in a direction opposite to that in which they were moved by the solenoid energization. This return movement of the lips is effected by means of adjustable balance weights l7 and 18 respectively carried on the rods 3 and 8. Thus, when intermittent pressure is imposed on the switch 16, opening and closing movements of the lips I and 2, simulating talking or signing, can be obtained.

While the use of a hand-operated switch is suggested, switching operation can be attained by various other known means. For example, the device can be installed in dolls, puppets, dummies, animals or human figures and can be controlled by microphone, tape recorder, record player, radio and other devices. The sound impulses thus amplified can be employed to energize the coil of the solenoid and thus cause the resultant intermittent movements of the lips I and 2 and secure a realistic singing or talking appearance.

FIG. 2 shows a simple arrangement for the animation of a single element such as, for example, the replica of the upper or lower lip or other part of a figure. Therein the lip replica, shown at 31, is mounted at the end of a rod 30 which is pivoted at 29 between its ends in the arms 20 of the bracket 21. The rod 30 has a downwardly extending arm 28 having its lower portion situated adjacent to the rounded extremity 27 of a finger 26 that forms an extension of the rod 23 and pivoted at 22 in the bracket 21. The angular end 25 on the rod 23 forms the armature or core for the solenoid 24.

When the solenoid 24 is energized it will cause a swing of the rod 23 in a counterclockwise direction and the end 27 of the finger 26 will contact with and will swing the arm 28 on its pivot 29 resulting in the downward movement of the element 31. When the magnet is de-energized the balance weight 33, carried by the end portion 32 of the rod 30 will return the parts to the position which they occupied before the energization of the solenoid.

FIG. 3 shows another compact disposition of the parts for the horizontal arrangement of most of them. Therein the lip or other replica 40 is carried at one end of a rod 38 that is pivoted at 29 remotely from the bracket 21. Rod 38 has its opposite end located adjacent to the end of an actuating finger 37 that is pivoted at 36 in the bracket 21. The rod 37 is connected to a downward extension or pull-rod 34 provided with an angular end 35 serving as the armature or core of the solenoid 24a. Rod 38 carries the balance weight 41.

FIG. 4 shows another compact and horizontal disposition of the parts of the device and wherein the bracket 21 is arranged horizontally. Pivotally mounted at 44 between the arms of the bracket is a rod 45 carrying a lip replica 46 or other part to be animated, at one end. The extension 41 of the rod 45 has a bent end 42 which constitutes the armature or core of the solenoid 43. The balance weight 41a for the return swing of the lip is carried on the part 41 and is carried on the part 41 between the bent end 42 and the pivot 44.

The embodiment shown in FIG. discloses an arrangement by which a plurality of features of a figure can be either simultaneously or selectively animated. Therein the representation of a lower lip is shown at 61, the same being located at one end of a strip or tongue 61a which has its other end attached to a cross rod 60 that is mounted for rotative movement in the arms of the bracket 21. The rod 60 carries a downwardly extending arm or pull-rod 62, terminating at its lower end in an angular piece 62a constituting an armature or core for the solenoid 58. The rod 60 also carries an angular extension piece 63 on which a balance weight 64 is adjustably mounted. This arrangement is such that when the solenoid is energized the lip 61 will be moved downwardly and when the solenoid is de-energized the weight 64 will cause the lip to be raised. Thus, by the intermittent energizing of the solenoid a talking or singing effect will be secured.

The eyes of the figure are shown at 52, the same being mounted on a cross rod 53 that is rotatively mounted in the arms 20 of the bracket 21. Said rod 53 carries an extension piece 55 on which a balance weight 59 is adjustably mounted. Extending downwardly and angularly from the extension piece 55 is an arm or pull-rod 56, terminating at its lower end in the armature or core 57 for the solenoid 58. This arrangement functions similarly to the means for animating the lip, causing the eyes 52 to move up and down.

The ears of the figure are shown at 50, the same being carried by a rod 51 which is rotative in the arms 20 of the bracket 21. Rod 51 may be connected to the part 55 by means of a piece 54 so that when the part 55 is moved by the energization of the solenoid 58 and balance weight 59, the ears will be moved. As an alternative, the rod 53 can be coupled to a separate solenoid.

In FIG. 6 is shown a simple construction for the animation of a lip replica or other feature. There the lip 61 is secured at the end of a piece 66 such as for example, the part 61a in FIG. 5. The piece 66 is attached to a pivotal cross rod 67 which carries an extension 68 on which an adjustable balance weight 69 is mounted. An arm or pull-rod 70 extends from the cross rod 67, the arm 70 terminating at its lower end in the angular piece 71 that forms an armature or core for the solenoid 72. The operation of this structure is similar to those heretofore described namely, the energization of the solenoid will cause movement of the feature 61 in one direction and the de-energization of the solenoid will permit tne feature to swing under the gravitational action of the weight in-the reverse direction, thus providing reciprocative movement to the feature 61.

The device is such that it can be used in many environments. It can be used not only in dolls, puppets or the like, but also in advertising and display signs in which lifelike animation is desired. It can be manually or electronically controlled. One or a number of solenoids can be used to secure either the simultaneous or independent animation of the movable elementsv What 1 claim is:

l. A means for animating the features, such as the eyes, ears and lips of a simulated figure comprising, a solenoid, means to energize said solenoid a plurality of oscillating shafts respectively carrying the eyes, ears and lips of a figure, at least one of the shafts having a core that is actuated by the solenoid, linkage between the shafts to establish the simultaneous movement of all of them to thereby impart simultaneous movement to the eyes, ears and lips when the solenoid is energized, and counterbalance means to effect a return movement of the shafts upon the de-energigation of the solenoid.

2. A means for animating such as simulated eyes, ears and lips of a body comprising, a support, a solenoid thereon, means for supplying electric current to the solenoid, switch means for controlling the flow of current to the solenoid, a core actuated by the solenoid, an arm projecting from the core, a pivot for effecting a swing of said arm when the solenoid is actuated, a weighted part carried by the arm, said weighted part bearing one of the features of the body, a second pivoted arm carrying a weighted part, said last-mentioned weighted arm carrying another body feature for animation when the solenoid is energized, the second pivoted arm being provided with a solenoid core.

3. A means for animating the features, such as the eyes, ears and lips of a simulated body comprising, a frame, a solenoid mounted thereon, means for energizing said solenoid to oscillate rods a rod pivoted in the frame for oscilating movement therein, a simulated lip carried by the rod, an arm extending from the rod and provided with an adjustable weight at one end and a solenoid core at the other end, a second pivotal rod in the frame, said second rod being oscillatory therein and carrying eye replicas, a third oscillatory rod mounted in the frame and carrying ear replicas, said second rod having an extension provided at one end with a weight and having a solenoid core, said second rod being coupled to the third rod so that the oscillatory movement of the second rod will oscillate the third rod.

4. A means for animating features, such as the eyes, ears and lips of a simulated figure comprising, a plurality of oscillating shafts, the first of said shafts carrying a simulated lip, the second shaft carrying simulated ears and the third shaft carrying eyes, a solenoid, means to energize said solenoid two of the shafts having solenoid cores that are actuated when the solenoid is energized, the third of the shafts being coupled to one of the core-bearing shafts whereby energization of the solenoid will cause the oscillatory movement of all of the shafts.

5. A structure according to claim 4, wherein two of the shafts carry weights to effect a return movement of the shafts when the solenoid is de-energized.

6. A means for animating the features, such as the eyes, ears and at least one lip of a simulated figure comprising, a frame, a solenoid mounted thereon, means to energize said solenoid three oscillating shafts mounted in substantially parallel relation above the solenoid,

solenoid will cause the oscillatory movement of all of 5 the three shafts, and gravity means carried by the corebearing shafts for causing rotative movement of the same in a direction opposite to that in which they were moved by the energization of the solenoid. 

1. A means for animating the features, such as the eyes, ears and lips of a simulated figure comprising, a solenoid, means to energize said solenoid a plurality of oscillating shafts respectively carrying the eyes, ears and lips of a figure, at least one of the shafts having a core that is actuated by the solenoid, linkage between the shafts to establish the simultaneous movement of all of them to thereby impart simultaneous movement to the eyes, ears and lips when the solenoid is energized, and counterbalance means to effect a return movement of the shafts upon the de-energigation of the solenoid.
 2. A means for animating such as simulated eyes, ears and lips of a body comprising, a support, a solenoid thereon, means for supplying electric current to the solenoid, switch means for controlling the flow of current to the solenoid, a core actuated by the solenoid, an arm projecting from the core, a pivot for effecting a swing of said arm when the solenoid is actuated, a weighted part carried by the arm, said weighted part bearing one of the features of the body, a second pivoted arm carrying a weighted part, said last-mentioned weighted arm carrying another body feature for animation when the solenoid is energized, the second pivoted arm being provided with a solenoid core.
 3. A means for animating the features, such as the eyes, ears and lips of a simulated body comprising, a frame, a solenoid mounted thereon, means for energizing said solenoid to oscillate rods a rod pivoted in the frame for oscilating movement therein, a simulated lip carried by the rod, an arm extending from the rod and provided with an adjustable weight at one end and a solenoid core at the other end, a second pivotal rod in the frame, said second rod being oscillatory therein and carrying eye replicas, a third oscillatory rod mounted in the frame and carrying ear replicas, said second rod having an extension provided at one end with a weight and having a solenoid core, said second rod being coupled to the third rod so that the oscillatory movement of the second rod will oscillate the third rod.
 4. A means for animating features, such as the eyes, ears and lips of a simulated figure comprising, a plurality of oscillating shafts, the first of said shafts carrying a simulated lip, the second shaft carrying simulated ears and the third shaft carrying eyes, a solenoid, means to energize said solenoid two of the shafts having solenoid cores that are actuated when the solenoid is energized, the third of the shafts being coupled to one of the core-bearing shafts whereby energization of the solenoid will cause the oscillatory movement of all of the shafts.
 5. A structure according to claim 4, wherein two of the shafts carry weights to effect a return movement of the shafts when the solenoid is de-energized.
 6. A means for animating the features, such as the eyes, ears and at least one lip of a simulated figure comprising, a frame, a solenoid mounted thereon, means to energize said solenoid three oscillating shafts mounted in substantially parallel relation above the solenoid, two of the shafts having extensions terminating in solenoid cores for action by the solenoid, one of the shafts being connected to one of the core-bearing shafts whereby oscillation caused by the energization of the solenoid will cause the oscillatory movement of all of the three shafts, and gravity means carried by the core-bearing shafts for causing rotative movement of the same in a direction opposite to that in which they were moved by the energization of the solenoid. 